Writer & speaker :: Life & style

When Myton Hospices invited me to undertake a style challenge at their new vintage fashion focused Myton Fargo charity shop (so named because of its location on Far Gosford Street, the new creative quarter in Coventry), I got somewhat carried away in creating outfits from their amazing vintage, retro and second hand stock.

Aside from putting together a few separates, these outfits required approximately zero styling on my part.

The garments speak for themselves.

Covering a range of styles and eras, as well as different price points, they highlight the fantastic stock curated by store manager Angela at Myton Fargo.

They also show the huge possibilities that are available if you decide to shop and dress second hand.

To showcase this, I thought I’d bring all these outfits together side by side.

According to my research at the weekend (that’s the kind of dedication I’m willing to undertake for you, dear readers #mayhaveboughtadresswhileIwasthere), a few of these pieces are still available.

But rather than focusing on the specifics, however fab they are, I want to emphasise what you can do with second hand clothes – and some of this is definitely second hand, rather than it’s trendier sibling, vintage.

It may take a bit of effort and commitment to dress this way, but the rewards are huge. Second hand clothes are cheaper, individual and arguably the best way to build an ethical wardrobe.

If you don’t already shop second hand, pop into your local charity shop when you have half an hour to spare and see what takes your fancy.

And please do share with me what you come away with! I’d love to see the results.

Here’s the best of what I found at Myton Fargo.

#OOTD Number One

I fell in love with this blouse as soon as I saw it tucked on the rack. What I wanted to show with this combo is that wearing vintage doesn’t mean impracticality or looking outre – it’s totally possible to mix gorgeous old clothes into a wearable for work look.

At the same time, the unique older pieces stop officewear looking boring. Win win!

Love this example of Christmas clothing – check out the detail on the blouse for what makes it perfect for December!

The cost?

£4.00 for the bauble blouse

£7.00 for the skirt

#OOTD Number Three

I labelled ‘Visit to a country pub outfit’ when I was making notes on my choices – sometimes I really do think in fashionese!

Wherever you’d wear this, the two high end items are absolute gems. The Johnstons cape is made of the softest wool; it’s like wearing a blanket. The trousers are an archetypal example of Ralph Lauren – I can’t believe they showed up in the English midlands!

The cost?

£25.00 for the cape

£25.00 for the trousers

Total = £50.00

#OOTD Number Four

Another day, another insight into the fantasy scenarios I create in my head. I named this ensemble the ‘Someret House ice skating outfit’ (although it’s totally okay to switch that to the Rockerfeller Center ice skating outfit if you prefer!).

The presence of actual ice skating boots makes this slightly less strange, I guess – and they epitomise how diverse the @mytonfargoshop stock really is!

The cost?

£20.00 for the dress (brand new with labels)

£12.00 for the Topshop faux fur gilet

£10.00 for the ice skates

Total = £42.00

#OOTD Number Five

This Studio 54 esque look is perfect for injecting some disco glamour into your wardrobe at any time of the year – glitz *and* shiny patent flat shoes to dance the night away in.

This was one of the first dresses I spotted during my Myton Fargo adventure and I knew immediately it had to feature. The dress ticks the sequins trend, which will be big this season and for SS18. And of course they are fab for Christmas!

I always look out for original Next labels such as this (usually without the fraying). A sign of great quality & design!

This outfit also demonstrates what great buys high street vintage can be. The dress has the original 1980s/90s Next silk label inside. Anything with this is in a sign of quality. Their clothes were far pricier then than today and signalled a good investment.

This is something I always look out for.

The cost?

£10.00 for the dress

£12.00 for the shoes, which are Marks and Spencer Limited Collection and look barely worn.

Total = £22.00

#OOTD Number Six

Of all the Myton Fargo outfits I’ve featured, this is one of my faves as each of the three elements is so effing awesome!

1) Vintage midi-dress with a winter floral pattern. The attention to detail is fantastic, and it has a concealed zip under a buttoned top section.

I love this combo but that’s true about every single item I’ve included! The coat was amazing quality as well as just all round fabulous. It ended up going home with a volunteer after her first shift at the store!

The cost?

£35.00 for the coat

£6.00 for the Marks and Spencer Autograph dress

£6.00 for the shoes

Total = £47.00

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I really love these outfits, you’re so creative! And the bauble blouse – it’s lovely to see something a little different 🙂 I had a giggle at your hashtag #mayhaveboughtadresswhileIwasthere – sounds interesting! I wonder what you bought!